Beijing, the vast and fascinating Chinese metropolis offers an unparalleled trip to delight and intrigue travellers as they explore the unique charms of the city. The capital city of China has amazing architecture, historical treasures and fabulous food.

Words: Wang Yuanchang

Start your day with Beijinger's ‘very particular breakfast', which includes a variety of staples, noodles, wheaten food and desserts. You can also try the delicious Jianbing Guozi, known as a Chinese Hamburger with spongy egg crepe, topped with various fillings and sauces. It is a favourite street food found on stalls along the road. Once you have enjoyed an authentic Beijing breakfast, start a day of exploration.

Beijingers love to exercise during the early morning and many of them would say that the Temple of Heaven is their favourite park. It is at its most beautiful, during the early morning hours, when fitness enthusiasts congregate around the eastern entrance to practice tai chi, perform operas, or play badminton. If you are interested in any of the various activities, you are welcome to join them.

The Temple of Heaven, built in 1420 was called Tian Tan in Chinese. The temple has an altar where the emperors of the ancient Ming and Qing dynasties performed worship rituals and prayed for good harvest, prosperity and peace. Covering an area of 273 hectares, it is the world's largest existing ancient architectural complex and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.

There are two places that you must not miss; "Heart Stone of Heaven" and "Echo Wall". Stand in the centre of Heart Stone of Heaven and make a sound and you will hear deep and continuous echoes from all directions. This will definitely be a wonderful experience.

For lunch, savour a Beijing icon - the roast duck. There is simply quite nothing like a perfectly roasted duck with bronzed crispy skin and tender, succulent meat. Peel apart a single pancake, and wrap about three small slices of duck with sauce and shallot.

Located on the southwest corner of beautiful Shichahai, Prince Kung's Mansion is the largest and best-preserved imperial residence of the Qing Dynasty, which was first used as the private residence of He Shen, an influential minister of Emperor Qianlong. Gorgeous halls, winding corridors, pavilions, piling rock works and delicate natural landscapes portray ancient Chinese architecture with its cultural connotations.

In the north of Beihai Park, colourful and traditional handmade kites can be seen. The kites are made, using bamboo, silk or paper and painted. If you wish, the craftsmen will custom-make one for you. The experience that Guijie (or Ghost Street) presents is beyond the normal dining experience. It has become the microcosm of nightlife and food culture in Beijing. Decorated with red lanterns on both sides, it is ablaze with lights in the evening. When night falls, the street throngs with people sitting around outdoor tables enjoying dinner or snacks. Spicy crayfish, roast fish and hot pot, attract crowds, especially the youth. Whichever restaurant you enter, you will be struck by the bustling atmosphere. After dinner, get off at the Qianmen stop of Metro 2, this is the hot spot for foreign tourists and residents. Experience the authentic life of old Beijing: sipping cups of tea and munching on snacks, while watching a revue of the popular Chinese traditional performances such as Peking opera, acrobatics, magic and face switching.

Colourful neon lights flash in turn and music played by live bands fill the air, it's the ideal atmosphere to end a day discovering vibrant Beijing.

Prince Gong’s Mansion, a museum and tourist attraction is a fine example of ancient Chinese architecture